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Setting up Executor For Windows

(Last updated November 28, 2020)

Introduction and Program Download

Unlike Basilisk II and SoftMac, Executor doesn't require a Macintosh ROM or a copy of Mac OS. All you need is the emulator. Download Executor 2.1pr16 here. The author of the emulator has released a serial number that won't expire: use the serial number “99991004” and the authentication code “n9rk57f369byp.”

In recent versions of Windows, it is probably necessary to “run as administrator” to complete the registration process.

Creating a Disk Image

Note: In newer versions of Windows, “makehfv” does not run properly. To create an hfv file, you can use the Basilisk II GUI or HFVExplorer. Just make sure to give the file the proper extension.

Install the emulator. The only optional component that you really need to include is Stuffit Expander. This guide, however, assumes that you've done a complete install.

It is not necessary, but before you run the emulator, you should run “makehfv.exe,” which is installed in the program directory. This application lets you create a Macintosh disk image to use within the emulator (if you copy the applications you install and the files you create with Executor to this disk image you can access them in another Macintosh emulator, such as Basilisk II, SoftMac, SheepShaver or Mini vMac or in HFVExplorer).

Just follow the on-screen directions to easily create a disk image. For this guide, I have created a 20 MB disk image called “play” (see figure one).

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Figure One: Creating a disk image for Executor

The disk image will be placed in the Executor directory. If you want to access a disk image that you have already created for use with another emulator, you must place it the same directory. Disk images must have the extension .hfv to be read (if your disk image has some other extension, you can just rename it). To access the disk image, use “File –> Check for Disk” in the emulator.

The Executor Browser

Launch the emulator. Enter your serial number and authentication code and restart the emulator (remember to “run as administrator” if you get an error message after entering the serial number in newer versions of Windows). As mentioned above, Executor does not require the use of a Mac ROM or a copy of Mac OS - it runs “out of the box.” Files are accessed and programs are executed through “Browser,” a GUI that looks a lot like Mac OS (see figure two).

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Figure two: Executor's “Browser.” It looks a lot like Mac OS.

Just double click on an application to launch. The Lemmings Demo is a lot of fun (see figure three).

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Figure three: This is not a good way to save the Lemmings

Accessing Files

Click on the filing cabinet icon in the top left of the emulator. That will give you access to your Windows files, the disk image you created, any other disk images you placed in the Executor directory and any Mac formatted floppy disks you have inserted. Just double click the individual icons to access. Files can be dragged into the browser from their original source and vice versa (hint: don't run applications from directly from a floppy disk… this is very slow in Executor).

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Browsing my Windows system from within Executor.

There is an icon called “Apps” that represents the folder where Executor stores applications and files that are not saved to a disk image (such as the shareware applications that are bundled with the emulator). Files saved here are actually saved to the directory where you originally installed Executor.

The Rest

A few more notes:

Click on the icons surrounding the “filing cabinet” icon. These give you access to your own little “dock.” Drag files and applications onto the dock for quicker access.

The “Alt” key on the right side of your keyboard functions as the Macintosh option key in this emulator.

Press “Alt (left)-Shift-5” to access the Preferences menu. If you are having trouble running an application made for System 6, lower the system version to 6.0.7.

Conclusion

Executor is a really old emulator. You may be better served by Basilisk II.

executor_setup.txt · Last modified: 2020/11/27 17:41